Video display apparatus and terminal apparatus

ABSTRACT

A terminal apparatus having a function of remotely controlling a video display apparatus includes a communication unit that transmits a command related to setting of the video display apparatus and receives status information, a signal receiving unit that receives a signal output from a broadcast station and decodes a video content, a memory unit that stores a content of a command including a channel of the video content, and a display unit that displays the video content and various types of information. In this terminal apparatus, the communication unit transmits an identification code specific to the terminal apparatus when transmitting the command, and when the status information is received after a channel of the video display apparatus is set by remote control, the video content of the channel stored in the memory unit is decoded by the signal receiving unit and is displayed on the display unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/892,420, filed on Aug. 22, 2022, which is a Continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/704,972, filed on Dec. 5, 2019, now U.S.Pat. No. 11,457,264 issued on Sep. 27, 2022, which is a Continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/433,708, filed on Jun. 6, 2019, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,542,232, issued Jan. 21, 2020, which is a Continuationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/889,735, filed on Feb. 6, 2018,now U.S. Pat. No. 10,375,341, issued on Aug. 6, 2019, which is aContinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/649,895, filed onJun. 4, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,924,124, issued on Mar. 20, 2018,which is a National Phase of PCT/JP2013/079953, filed on Nov. 6, 2013,which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-267765,filed on Dec. 7, 2012. The subject matter of each is incorporated hereinby reference in entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a video display apparatus and aterminal apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

As a background art in this technical field, there is Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-65305 (Patent Document 1). Anobject of the invention described in this publication is “To provide atechnique for appropriately providing a seamless viewing style withoutdepending on places by a terminal apparatus and a large-screeninformation receiving terminal apparatus”.

As a solution to this issue, the publication describes “An informationreceiving terminal apparatus includes means for transmitting mobileviewing information to a terminal apparatus, and a video informationsystem controls a viewing environment for satisfying respective requestsfrom two or more users, and is configured to enable the continuousviewing of a content viewed at the information receiving terminalapparatus by the transmission and reception of the content to and fromthe terminal apparatus and enable the continuous viewing conversely atthe information receiving terminal of the content viewed at the terminalapparatus based on inter-terminal cooperation and center cooperation oftime code information for continuing content viewing from theinformation receiving terminal apparatus to the terminal apparatus.”.

Also, as another background art, there is Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open Publication No. 2001-275090 (Patent Document 2). An objectdescribed in this publication is “To provide a broadcast receivingapparatus capable of preventing a main story after a CM from beingmissed”.

As a solution to this issue, the publication describes “A broadcastreceiving apparatus 10 includes first and second tuners 13 a and 13 bthat receive broadcasting and a RAM 18 that stores a received video,when a program on a channel which is being received by the first tuner13 a is being output, a predetermined amount of video of the programimmediately before a most recent CM is stored in the RAM 18, when aninstruction to switch the channel to another channel is issued duringthe CM, the other channel is received by the second tuner 13 b and aprogram on the other channel is output instead of the program on thechannel being received by the first tuner 13 a, and when the videoimmediately before the CM stored in the RAM 18 and the video on thechannel being received by the first tuner 13 a are approximate to eachother, the end of the CM is output”.

RELATED ART DOCUMENTS Patent Documents

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication    No. 2009-65305-   Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication    No. 2001-275090

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

As an effect of the invention, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1describes “While viewing a content with a family in a living room by alarge-screen receiving terminal apparatus (e.g., a television receiver),each individual can acquire information and data for the convenience ofthe individual by a terminal apparatus which is held at hand and carriedby each individual.”, and this is convenient to use when a plurality ofusers continue to view the same content. However, the Patent Document 1does not take into consideration the case where the plurality of usersrespectively view different contents.

For example, Patent Document 1 does not particularly take intoconsideration the fact that, when a plurality of users view a televisionbroadcasting by one video display apparatus and one of the usersswitches a channel, the other users cannot continue to view the channelbefore the switching.

Also, according to Patent Document 2, it is possible to prevent a mainstory after a CM from being missed.

However, Patent Document 2 describes “Event information including atype, a title, and a start time of an event such as a CM is incorporatedinto data for digital broadcasting.”, and has an issue that the CMcannot be specified without such an operation.

Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide user-friendlyvideo display apparatus and terminal apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

To solve the above-mentioned issue, for example, a configurationdescribed in the scope of the claims is adopted.

The present application includes a plurality of means for solving theissue mentioned above, and one example thereof is a terminal apparatushaving a remote control function of a video display apparatus, and theterminal apparatus includes: a communication unit that transmits acommand related to setting of the video display apparatus and receivesstatus information; a signal receiving unit that receives a signaloutput from a broadcast station and decodes a video content; a memoryunit that stores a content of a command including a channel of the videocontent; and a display unit that displays the video content and varioustypes of information. In the terminal apparatus, the communication unittransmits an identification code specific to the terminal apparatus whentransmitting the command, and when the status information is receivedafter a channel of the video display apparatus is set by remote control,the video content of the channel stored in the memory unit is decoded bythe signal receiving unit and is displayed on the display unit.

Also, another example thereof is a terminal apparatus having a functionof remotely controlling a video display apparatus that displays a videoof a television program and a video serving as advertisement meansaccompanying a television program, and the terminal apparatus includes:a transmission unit that transmits a command related to setting of thevideo display apparatus; a television signal receiving unit thatreceives a television signal; and a memory unit that stores a channelthat has been viewed without being switched for a predetermined periodof time. In the terminal apparatus, the television signal receiving unitdetects a start timing and an end timing of the video serving as theadvertisement means, and when a channel selection button of a remotecontrol function is pressed in a period of time from the start timing tothe end timing, the transmission unit transmits a setting command of thechannel, and further transmits a setting command of the channel storedin the memory unit in response to the end timing.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provideuser-friendly video display apparatus and terminal apparatus.

Issues, configurations, and effects other than the foregoing will becomeapparent from the following description of embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a video displaysystem according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a terminalapparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a videodisplay apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the terminal apparatusaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5A illustrates an example of display on a screen of the terminalapparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5B illustrates an example of display on a screen of the terminalapparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5C illustrates an example of display on a screen of the terminalapparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5D illustrates an example of display on a screen of the terminalapparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the video displayapparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a video displayapparatus according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a terminal apparatusaccording to the third embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a video displayapparatus according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a video displayapparatus according to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a video displaysystem according to the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a terminal apparatusaccording to the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 13A illustrates an example of display on a screen of the terminalapparatus according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 13B illustrates an example of display on a screen of the terminalapparatus according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 13C illustrates an example of display on a screen of the terminalapparatus according to the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 13D illustrates an example of display on a screen of the terminalapparatus according to the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a video displayapparatus according to the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a terminal apparatusaccording to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a missing prevention process of theterminal apparatus according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a video displayapparatus according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a missing prevention process of aterminal apparatus according to the eighth embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a missing prevention process of aterminal apparatus according to the ninth embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a missing prevention process of aterminal apparatus according to the tenth embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a missing prevention process of aterminal apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a missing prevention process of aterminal apparatus according to the twelfth embodiment;

FIG. 23 illustrates an example of display on a screen of the terminalapparatus according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a terminal apparatusaccording to the thirteenth embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a video displayapparatus according to the thirteenth embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a terminal apparatusaccording to the fourteenth embodiment; and

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a missing prevention process of theterminal apparatus according to the fourteenth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to thedrawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a video displaysystem according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Thevideo display system according to the present embodiment includes aplurality of terminal apparatuses 1 and a video display apparatus 3.

The terminal apparatus 1 has a wireless communication function, and cantransmit and receive various types of information to and from anInternet network. Also, the terminal apparatus 1 has a function ofperforming the control of the video display apparatus 3 in a remoteplace (hereinafter referred to as “remote control”), and a user cancontrol a channel and an audio volume of the video display apparatus 3by using the terminal apparatus 1. When the plurality of terminalapparatuses 1 need to be distinguished from one another, the terminalapparatuses 1 are written as terminal apparatuses 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, . . .and the like.

A remote controller 2 is a control apparatus dedicated to the videodisplay apparatus 3, and can operate the video display apparatus 3 byinfrared rays.

The video display apparatus 3 is an apparatus that receives and displaysa video content, and can receive, for example, a television signal bywireless or by wire from a broadcast station and display a video contentbased on the television signal. Also, the video display apparatus 3 candisplay a video content received from a network 7 via a wireless router6, for example, an Internet content of a URL (Uniform Resource Locator)specified by the user or the like. Thus, the video display apparatus 3can receive and display a video content delivered from a delivery sourcespecified by the user or the like, for example, a specific broadcaststation 5 and URL. The number of video display apparatuses 3 is notlimited to one and a plurality of video display apparatuses 3 may beprovided. Further, the terminal apparatus 1 also can receive and displaythe video content.

The broadcast station 5 is an apparatus that outputs a televisionsignal.

The wireless router 6 has a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) functionsuch as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), and can be connected to the network 7via a communication network. The terminal apparatus 1 and the videodisplay apparatus 3 can acquire and display a video content and varioustypes of information from the internet network by being connected to thewireless router 6. Alternatively, although an example in which thewireless router 6 and the video display apparatus 3 are connected toeach other by wireless has been illustrated, they may be connected toeach other by wire.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the terminalapparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 .

A control unit 20 controls each of the units in the terminal apparatus1. The control unit 20 is made up of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) orany control circuit or a dedicated circuit such as an ASIC (AppreciationSpecific IC).

A television signal receiving unit 21 is made up of a signal processingcircuit including a tuner, a decoding circuit and others in addition toan antenna, and receives a television signal output from the broadcaststation 5, decodes a video and an audio, and sends the decoded video andaudio to a display unit 22 and an audio output unit 23.

The display unit 22 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel and displaysvarious types of information. The audio output unit 23 is made up of,for example, an amplifier and a speaker, and outputs various types ofaudios. An operation unit 24 is, for example, a touch pad, and receivesan operation by the user and transmits an instruction based on theoperation to the control unit 20. An apparatus obtained by integratingand combining the liquid crystal panel and the touch pad is generallyreferred to as a touch panel, and an example using the touch panel isdescribed in the present embodiment.

A memory unit 25 is made up of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random.Access Memory), a flash ROM, and the like, and stores a program forcontrolling the terminal apparatus 1, various types of setting valuesand video contents, and the like.

A LAN communication unit 26 transmits various types of commands to thevideo display apparatus 3 via the wireless router 6 or the like byusing, for example, Wi-Fi. Further, the LAN communication unit 26receives status information or the like from the video display apparatus3. The command is information with which the terminal apparatus 1performs the remote control of the video display apparatus 3, andexamples of the command include a power supply command for issuing aninstruction to switch ON and OFF of a power supply and a setting commandfor designating a specific channel and audio volume. The statusinformation includes information capable of specifying whether remotecontrol can be performed. Alternatively, the LAN communication unit 26may directly transmit and receive the command and the status informationto and from the video display apparatus 3 without the wireless router 6and the like by using, for example, infrared rays, Wi-Fi Direct, orBluetooth (registered trademark).

When the command is transmitted, an identification code specific to theterminal apparatus 1 is also transmitted. An ID (identification)individually assigned to the terminal apparatus 1, a telephone number,and the like can be applied as the identification code. Generally, sinceit is assumed that one user possesses one terminal apparatus 1, forexample, a user ID given to each user by a manufacturer of the terminalapparatus 1 may be applied. In this case, the user ID is previouslystored in the terminal apparatus 1 based on an operation by the user orthe like.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the videodisplay apparatus 3 illustrated in FIG. 1 .

A control unit 30 controls each of the units in the video displayapparatus 3. The control unit 30 is made up of a CPU or any controlcircuit or a dedicated circuit such as an ASIC.

A television signal receiving unit 31 is made up of, for example, asignal processing circuit including a tuner and a decoding circuit inaddition to an antenna, and receives a television signal output from thebroadcast station 5, decodes a video and an audio, and sends the decodedvideo and audio to a display unit 32 and an audio output unit 33. Thetelevision signal receiving unit 31 includes a plurality of signalprocessing circuits described above or the like, and can simultaneouslyreceive a plurality of channels.

The display unit 32 is made up of, for example, a liquid crystal panel,a plasma panel, or an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) panel, anddisplays various types of video contents and various types ofinformation.

An audio output unit 33 is made up of, for example, an amplifier and aspeaker, and outputs various types of audios.

An infrared communication unit 34 receives a control command transmittedfrom a terminal apparatus having an infrared communication function orthe dedicated remote controller 2 by using, for example, infrared rays,and transmits the instruction to the control unit 30.

A memory unit 35 is made up of a ROM, a RAM, a flash ROM, and the like,and stores an identification code of the terminal apparatus 1, which hastransmitted a power supply command, in addition to a program forcontrolling the video display apparatus 3 and various types of settingand video contents. A storage such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or a BD(Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc) drive may be equipped.

A LAN communication unit 36 is connected to the wireless router 6 bywire or by wireless, and can receive a video content or the like fromthe Internet network or the like. Also, the LAN communication unit 36receives various types of commands from the terminal apparatus 1 via thewireless router 6 or the like by using, for example, Wi-Fi. Also, theLAN communication unit 36 transmits status information to the terminalapparatus 1. The LAN communication unit 36 may directly transit andreceive the command and the status information to and from the terminalapparatus 1 without the wireless router 6 or the like by using, forexample, infrared rays, Wi-Fi Direct, or Bluetooth.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the terminal apparatus 1according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Thisflowchart illustrates the process in the case where the terminalapparatus 1 performs the remote control of the video display apparatus3.

In step S401, the terminal apparatus 1 waits until application softwarefor performing the remote control of the video display apparatus 3(hereinafter referred to as “operation application”) is started based onan operation by a user.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate an example of various types of display on thetouch-panel display unit 22 in the terminal apparatus 1. FIG. 5Aillustrates a menu screen on which various types of application softwareare arranged in the terminal apparatus 1. When the user presses, forexample, a “television” button displayed on the touch panel, theoperation application is started.

In step S402, the terminal apparatus 1 selects the video displayapparatus 3 serving as a target of the remote control based on theoperation by the user. FIG. 5B illustrates an example of display on aselection screen in the case where there are two video displayapparatuses 3 that can be selected as a target of the remote control.Here, it is assumed that a “television A” is selected.

When the video display apparatus 3 serving as a target of the remotecontrol is selected, the terminal apparatus 1 displays various types ofinstructions that can be transmitted to the video display apparatus 3.FIG. 5C illustrates an example of display on an operation screen of thevideo display apparatus 3 in that case.

Next, in step S403, the terminal apparatus 1 confirms whether the userhas performed an operation for ending the operation application. Whenthe operation for ending the operation application, for example, theoperation of pressing an “end” button displayed on the terminalapparatus 1 has been performed, the terminal apparatus 1 returns to aprocess of displaying a menu screen.

In step S404, the terminal apparatus 1 confirms whether the user haspressed a “power” button. When the “power” button displayed on theterminal apparatus 1 has been pressed, the terminal apparatus 1transmits a power supply command and an identification code to the videodisplay apparatus 3 (step S405), and repeats the process from step S403.

When the “power” button displayed on the terminal apparatus 1 has notbeen pressed, in step S406, the terminal apparatus 1 confirms whetherthe user has pressed a channel setting button of a remote controlfunction. When a channel setting button such as a “1” button or a “2”button displayed on the terminal apparatus 1 has been pressed, theprocess proceeds to step S407, and the corresponding channel is storedin the memory unit 25.

When the “1” button has been pressed, for example, “1” is stored in thememory unit 25. However, when “Ch+” has been then pressed, “2” is storedin the memory unit 25. When a setting command is specified by a relativevalue such as “Ch+” or “Ch−” like this, an absolute value such as “2” issubstituted and stored.

Next, in step S408, the terminal apparatus 1 transmits a selectioncommand and an identification code of the corresponding channel to thevideo display apparatus 3, and repeats the process from step S403.

When the channel setting button displayed on the terminal apparatus 1has not been pressed, in step S409, the terminal apparatus 1 confirmswhether the other button has been pressed. Examples of the other buttoninclude an audio volume setting button.

When the user has issued an instruction to change setting of the videodisplay apparatus 3, the terminal apparatus 1 transmits a correspondingsetting command and identification code to the video display apparatus 3(step S410), and repeats the process from step S403.

When the other button displayed on the terminal apparatus 1 has not beenpressed, in step S411, the terminal apparatus 1 confirms whether achannel switching notification has been received as status information.

When the channel switching notification has been received, the terminalapparatus 1 sets the channel stored in the memory unit 25 to thetelevision signal receiving unit 31, and displays a received video onthe display unit 22 and outputs an audio from the audio output unit 23(step S412), and repeats the process from step S403.

The channel switching notification is transmitted from the video displayapparatus 3. For example, when channel switching by the terminalapparatus 1 b other than the terminal apparatus 1 a, which has poweredon the video display apparatus 3, has occurred, the video displayapparatus 3 transmits the channel switching notification as statusinformation to the terminal apparatus 1 a.

When the terminal apparatus 1 has not received the channel switchingnotification, the terminal apparatus 1 repeats the process from stepS403.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the video displayapparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.This flowchart illustrates the process performed when the video displayapparatus 3 is remotely controlled by the terminal apparatus 1.

In step S601, the video display apparatus 3 waits for receiving of apower supply command. When the power supply command has been received,the process proceeds to step S602, and the video display apparatus 3 ispowered on. Then, in step S603, an identification code when the powersupply command has been received is stored in the memory unit 35. Here,it is assumed that an identification code of the terminal apparatus 1 ahas been received.

Next, in step S604, the video display apparatus 3 confirms whether thepower supply command has been received again. When the power supplycommand has been received, the process proceeds to step S605, and thevideo display apparatus 3 is powered off, and the process ends.

While toggle control to repeat power on/off every time the video displayapparatus 3 receives the power supply command is illustrated as anexample in the present embodiment, a power-on command and a power-offcommand may be separated from each other.

When the video display apparatus 3 has not received the power supplycommand in step S604, the process proceeds to step S606, and the videodisplay apparatus 3 confirms whether a channel setting command has beenreceived. When the channel setting command has been received, theprocess proceeds to step S607, and the command is executed asinstructed.

Next, in step S608, the video display apparatus 3 confirms whether anidentification code when the channel setting command has been receivedmatches the identification code stored in the memory unit 35. When theidentification codes match each other, the process from step S604 isrepeated.

When the identification codes do not match each other, the video displayapparatus 3 transmits a channel switching notification as statusinformation to the terminal apparatus 1 a corresponding to theidentification code stored in the memory unit 35 (step S609), andrepeats the process from step S604.

Also, when the video display apparatus 3 has not received the channelsetting command in step S606, the process proceeds to step S610, and thevideo display apparatus 3 confirms whether the other command has beenreceived. When the other command has been received, the video displayapparatus 3 executes the command as instructed (step S611), and repeatsthe process from step S604. Examples of the other command include anaudio volume setting command.

When the other command has not been received, the process from step S604is repeated.

When the terminal apparatus 1 a powers on the video display apparatus 3by remote control in the above-described manner, the video displayapparatus 3 is powered on.

Next, when the terminal apparatus 1 a performs channel switching of thevideo display apparatus 3 by remote control, the channel of the videodisplay apparatus 3 is switched as instructed. When another terminalapparatus 1 b performs channel switching of the video display apparatus3 by remote control, the channel of the video display apparatus 3 isswitched as instructed, and a channel switching notification istransmitted as status information to the terminal apparatus 1 a.

When the terminal apparatus 1 a has received the channel switchingnotification, the terminal apparatus 1 a displays the video of thechannel prior to the switching by the terminal apparatus 1 b on thedisplay unit 22, and outputs the audio thereof from the audio outputunit 23.

Note that it is also possible to ask the user whether the start of thedisplay of the video and the output of the audio is permitted before thedisplay of the video and the output of the audio are started. FIG. 5Dillustrates an example of display on a screen of the terminal apparatus1 at this time. Alternatively, it is also possible to ask the userwhether the display and output may be continued after they are started.

By the foregoing configuration, in the first embodiment of the presentinvention, when the channel of the video display apparatus set by theremote control from a terminal apparatus is switched by another terminalapparatus, a content displayed on the video display apparatus prior tothe switching is displayed on the terminal apparatus. Even if a channelset by a user is switched by another user, the user can view the channelby using the terminal apparatus at hand without any particularoperation. Thus, it is possible to prevent the content from beingmissed.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a video displayapparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Since steps S701 to S707 are similar to steps S601 to S607 illustratedin FIG. 6 , the description thereof is omitted.

In step S708, the video display apparatus 3 confirms whether anidentification code when a channel setting command has been receivedmatches an identification code stored in the memory unit 35. When theidentification codes match each other, the video display apparatus 3repeats the process from step S704.

When the identification codes do not match each other, the video displayapparatus 3 transmits a channel switching notification as statusinformation to the terminal apparatus 1 a corresponding to theidentification code stored in the memory unit 35 (step S709). Next, thevideo display apparatus 3 stores the identification code when thechannel setting command has been received in the memory unit 35 (stepS712), and repeats the process from step S704. Here, it is assumed thatan identification code of the terminal apparatus 1 b has been received.

Since steps S710 to S711 are similar to steps S610 to S611 illustratedin FIG. 6 , description thereof is omitted.

When the terminal apparatus 1 a powers on the video display apparatus 3by remote control in this manner, the video display apparatus 3 ispowered on.

Next, when the terminal apparatus 1 a performs channel switching of thevideo display apparatus 3 by remote control, the channel of the videodisplay apparatus 3 is switched as instructed. When another terminalapparatus 1 b performs channel switching of the video display apparatus3 by remote control, the channel of the video display apparatus 3 isswitched as instructed, and a channel switching notification istransmitted as status information to the terminal apparatus 1 a.

When the terminal apparatus 1 a receives the channel switchingnotification, the terminal apparatus 1 a displays the video of thechannel prior to the switching by the terminal apparatus 1 b on thedisplay unit 22, and outputs an audio thereof from the audio output unit23.

When a terminal apparatus 1 c further switches the channel of the videodisplay apparatus 3 by remote control, the channel of the video displayapparatus 3 is switched as instructed, and a channel switchingnotification is transmitted as status information to the terminalapparatus 1 b.

When the terminal apparatus 1 b receives the channel switchingnotification, the terminal apparatus 1 b displays the video of thechannel prior to the switching by the terminal apparatus 1 c on thedisplay unit 22, and outputs an audio thereof from the audio output unit23.

By the foregoing configuration, in the second embodiment of the presentinvention, a similar effect to that in the first embodiment can beobtained.

Thus, when the channel of the video display apparatus set by the remotecontrol from a terminal apparatus is switched by another terminalapparatus and the channel is further switched by still another terminalapparatus, a content displayed on the video display apparatus prior tothe switching is displayed on each of the terminal apparatuses. Even ifa channel set by a user is switched by another user, the user can viewthe channel by using the terminal apparatus at hand without anyparticular operation. Thus, it is possible to prevent the content frombeing missed.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a terminal apparatus 1according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Thisflowchart illustrates the process performed when the terminal apparatus1 performs the remote control of a video display apparatus 3.

Since steps S801 to S810 are similar to steps S401 to S410 illustratedin FIG. 4 , description thereof is omitted.

In step S811, the terminal apparatus 1 confirms whether a channelswitching notification has been received as status information.

When the channel switching notification has been received, the terminalapparatus 1 displays, on a display unit 22, the start of recording ofthe video on the channel, which the user has viewed on the video displayapparatus 3 so far, into the memory unit 35 of the video displayapparatus 3 (step S812), and repeats the process from step S803. FIG.13A illustrates an example of display on a screen of the terminalapparatus 1.

The channel switching notification is transmitted from the video displayapparatus 3. When channel switching by a terminal apparatus 1 other thanthe terminal apparatus 1, which has powered on the video displayapparatus 3, has occurred, for example, the video display apparatus 3transmits the channel switching notification as status information.

When the terminal apparatus 1 has not received the channel switchingnotification, it repeats the process from step S803.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the video displayapparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.This flowchart illustrates the process performed when the video displayapparatus 3 is remotely controlled by the terminal apparatus 1.

Since steps S901 to S907 are similar to steps S601 to S607 illustratedin FIG. 6 , description thereof is omitted.

In step S908, the video display apparatus 3 confirms whether anidentification code when a channel setting command has been receivedmatches an identification code stored in the memory unit 35. When theidentification codes match each other, the video display apparatus 3repeats the process from step S904.

When the identification codes do not match each other, the video displayapparatus 3 transmits a channel switching notification as statusinformation to the terminal apparatus 1 a corresponding to theidentification code stored in the memory unit 35 (step S909). Next, instep S912, the video display apparatus 3 stores, in the memory unit 35,the identification code and channel when the channel setting command hasbeen received. Here, it is assumed that an identification code of theterminal apparatus 1 b has been received. Next, the video displayapparatus 3 sets the channel prior to the switching to a televisionsignal receiving unit 31, records the received video and audio to thememory unit 35 (step S913), and repeats the process from step S904.

The television signal receiving unit 31 can simultaneously receive aplurality of channels by setting the plurality of channels. When thechannel stored in the memory unit 35 is set in the television signalreceiving unit 31, the channel setting displayed on the display unit 32is left as it is.

Since steps S910 to S911 are similar to steps S610 to S611 illustratedin FIG. 6 , description thereof is omitted.

When the terminal apparatus 1 a powers on the video display apparatus 3by remote control in this manner, the video display apparatus 3 ispowered on.

Next, when the terminal apparatus 1 a performs channel switching of thevideo display apparatus 3 by remote control, a channel of the videodisplay apparatus 3 is switched as instructed. When another terminalapparatus 1 b performs channel switching of the video display apparatus3 by remote control, the channel of the video display apparatus 3 isswitched as instructed, and a channel switching notification istransmitted as status information to the terminal apparatus 1 a.

Furthermore, the video display apparatus 3 records the content of thechannel prior to the switching by the terminal apparatus 1 b in therecording unit 35.

Note that it is also possible to ask the user whether the start of therecording of the content is permitted before the recording of thecontent is started. FIG. 13B illustrates an example of display on ascreen of the terminal apparatus 1 at this time. Alternatively, it isalso possible to ask the user whether the recording may be continuedafter it is started.

By the foregoing configuration, in the third embodiment of the presentinvention, a similar effect to that in the first embodiment can beobtained.

Furthermore, when the channel of the video display apparatus set byremote control from a terminal apparatus is switched by another terminalapparatus, a content displayed on the video display apparatus prior tothe switching is recorded in the video display apparatus. Even if thechannel set by a user is switched by another user, the content can berecorded in the video display apparatus without any particular operationby the user. Thus, it is possible to prevent the content from beingmissed.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a terminal apparatusaccording to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Thisflowchart illustrates a process performed when the terminal apparatus 1remotely controls a video display apparatus 3.

Since steps S1001 to S1010 are similar to steps S401 to S410 illustratedin FIG. 4 , description thereof is omitted.

In step S1011, the terminal apparatus 1 confirms whether a channelswitching notification has been received.

When the channel switching notification has been received, the terminalapparatus 1 sets the channel stored in the memory unit 25 to thetelevision signal receiving unit 21, and records a received content inthe memory unit 25 (step S1012), and repeats the process from stepS1003.

The channel switching notification is transmitted from the video displayapparatus 3. For example, when channel switching by a terminal apparatus1 other than the terminal apparatus 1, which has powered on the videodisplay apparatus 3, has occurred, the video display apparatus 3transmits the channel switching notification as status information.

When the channel switching notification has not been received, theterminal apparatus 1 repeats the process from step S1003.

When a terminal apparatus 1 a powers on the video display apparatus 3 byremote control in this manner, the video display apparatus 3 is poweredon.

Next, when the terminal apparatus 1 a performs channel switching of thevideo display apparatus 3 by remote control, the channel of the videodisplay apparatus 3 is switched as instructed. When another terminalapparatus 1 b performs channel switching of the video display apparatus3 by remote control, the channel of the video display apparatus 3 isswitched as instructed, and the channel switching notification istransmitted as status information to the terminal apparatus 1 a.

The terminal apparatus 1 a records a content of the channel prior to theswitching by the terminal apparatus 1 b in the memory unit 25.

Note that it is also possible to ask the user whether the start of therecording of the content is permitted before the recording is started.Alternatively, it is also possible to ask the user whether the recordingmay be continued after the recording is started.

By the foregoing configuration, in the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention, a similar effect to that in the first embodiment can beobtained.

Furthermore, when the channel of the video display apparatus set byremote control from a terminal apparatus is switched by another terminalapparatus, the content displayed on the video display apparatus prior tothe switching is recorded in the terminal apparatus. Even if the channelset by a user is switched by another user, the content can be recordedin the terminal apparatus without any particular operation by the user.Thus, it is possible to prevent the content from being missed.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a video displaysystem according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Thevideo display system according to the present embodiment includes aplurality of terminal apparatuses 1 and a video display apparatus 3.

Since the terminal apparatuses 1, a remote controller 2, the videodisplay apparatus 3, a broadcast station 5, a wireless router 6, and anetwork 7 are similar to those illustrated in FIG. 1 , descriptionthereof is omitted.

A VOD (Video On Demand) server 8 stores the same content as the contentbroadcasted from the broadcast station 5, and delivers the storedcontent to the terminal apparatus 1 and the video display apparatus 3through the network 7.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the terminalapparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.This flowchart illustrates the process performed when the terminalapparatus 1 remotely controls the video display apparatus 3.

Since steps S1201 to S1206 are similar to steps S401 to S406 illustratedin FIG. 4 , description thereof is omitted.

In step S1207, the terminal apparatus 1 stores content information of acorresponding channel in the memory unit 25.

Since steps S1208 to S1210 are similar to steps S408 to S410 illustratedin FIG. 4 , description thereof is omitted.

In step S1211, the terminal apparatus 1 confirms whether a channelswitching notification has been received as status information.

When the channel switching notification has been received, the terminalapparatus 1 retrieves the VOD server 8 for a content based on contentinformation stored in the memory unit 25 (step S1212).

Next, in step S1213, the terminal apparatus 1 enters a VOD playbackmode, and repeats the process from step S1203 when the VOD playback modeends. FIG. 13C illustrates an example of display on an operation screenof the terminal apparatus 1 in the VOD playback mode. In addition toplayback, fast-forward and rewind, a user can view the content from thepoint where the channel has been switched if the time when the channelhas been switched is stored. Alternatively, the content can be viewedfrom the beginning or can also be viewed later.

The channel switching notification is transmitted from the video displayapparatus 3. For example, when channel switching by a terminal apparatus1 other than the terminal apparatus 1 which has switched the channel ofthe video display apparatus 3 has occurred, the video display apparatus3 transmits the channel switching notification as status information.

When the channel switching notification has not been received, theterminal apparatus 1 repeats the process from step S1203.

When a terminal apparatus 1 a powers on the video display apparatus 3 byremote control in this manner, the video display apparatus 3 is poweredon.

Next, when the terminal apparatus 1 a performs channel switching of thevideo display apparatus 3 by remote control, the channel of the videodisplay apparatus 3 is switched as instructed. When another terminalapparatus 1 b then performs channel switching of the video displayapparatus 3 by remote control, the channel of the video displayapparatus 3 is switched as instructed, and the channel switchingnotification is transmitted as status information to the terminalapparatus 1 a.

When the channel switching notification is received, the terminalapparatus 1 a retrieves the VOD for a content of the channel prior tothe switching by the terminal apparatus 1 b.

Note that it is also possible to ask the user whether the start of theretrieval for the content is permitted before the retrieval is started.FIG. 13D illustrates an example of display on a screen of the terminalapparatus 1 at this time. For example, only when a “YES” buttondisplayed on the screen is pressed, the terminal apparatus 1 may enterthe VOD playback mode.

By the foregoing configuration, in the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention, a similar effect to that in the first embodiment can beobtained.

Furthermore, when the channel of the video display apparatus set byremote control from a terminal apparatus is switched by another terminalapparatus, a content displayed on the video display apparatus prior tothe switching can be retrieved from the VOD and displayed on theterminal apparatus. Even if the channel set by a user is switched byanother user, the user can retrieve the VOD without any particularoperation and can view the channel by using the terminal apparatus athand. Thus, it is possible to prevent the content from being missed.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a video displayapparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.This flowchart illustrates the process performed when the video displayapparatus 3 is remotely controlled by a terminal apparatus 1.

Since steps S1401 to S1407 are similar to steps S601 to S607 lustratedin FIG. 6 , description thereof is omitted.

Since steps S1408 to S1409 are similar to steps S908 to S909 illustratedin FIG. 9 , description thereof is omitted. Since steps S1412 to S1413are similar to steps S912 to S913 illustrated in FIG. 9 , descriptionthereof is omitted.

In step S1410, it is confirmed whether another command has beenreceived. When the other command has been received, the process proceedsto step S1411. When the other command has not been received, the processproceeds to step S1414. Since step S1411 is similar to step S611illustrated in FIG. 6 , description thereof is omitted.

In step S1414, it is confirmed whether a content after channel switchinghas ended. When the content after the channel switching has ended, theprocess proceeds to step S1415, and the video display apparatus 3reproduces a recorded content. When the content after the channelswitching has not ended, the video display apparatus 3 repeats theprocess from step S1404.

When the terminal apparatus 1 a powers on the video display apparatus 3by remote control in this manner, the video display apparatus 3 ispowered on.

Next, when the terminal apparatus 1 a performs channel switching of thevideo display apparatus 3 by remote control, the channel of the videodisplay apparatus 3 is switched as instructed. When another terminalapparatus 1 b performs channel switching of the video display apparatus3 by remote control, the channel of the video display apparatus 3 isswitched as instructed, and a channel switching notification istransmitted as status information to the terminal apparatus 1 a.

Furthermore, the video display apparatus 3 records a content of thechannel prior to the switching by the terminal apparatus 1 b in thememory unit 35, and reproduces the content when the content of thechannel after the switching ends.

By the foregoing configuration, in the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention, a similar effect to that in the first embodiment can beobtained.

Furthermore, when the channel of the video display apparatus set byremote control from a terminal apparatus is switched by another terminalapparatus, the content displayed on the video display apparatus prior tothe switching is recorded in the video display apparatus, and thecontent is reproduced when the content of the channel after theswitching ends. Even if a channel set by a user is switched by anotheruser, the content is recorded and reproduced by the video displayapparatus without any particular operation by the user. Thus, it ispossible to prevent the content from being missed.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a terminal apparatus1 when the terminal apparatus 1 remotely controls a video displayapparatus 3.

In step S1501, the terminal apparatus 1 waits until application softwarefor performing the remote control of the video display apparatus 3(hereinafter referred to as “operation application”) is started based onan operation by the user.

FIGS. 5A-5D and FIG. 23 illustrate an example of various types ofdisplay on the touch-panel display unit 22 in the terminal apparatus 1.FIG. 5A illustrates a menu screen on which various types of applicationsoftware are arranged in the terminal apparatus 1. When the userpresses, for example, a “television” button displayed on the touchpanel, the operation application is started.

In step S1502, the terminal apparatus 1 selects the video displayapparatus 3 serving as a target of the remote control based on theoperation by the user. FIG. 5B illustrates an example of display on aselection screen in the case where there are two video displayapparatuses 3 that can be selected as a target of the remote control.Here, it is assumed that a “television A” is selected.

When the video display apparatus 3 serving as a target of the remotecontrol is selected, the terminal apparatus 1 displays various types ofinstructions that can be transmitted to the video display apparatus 3.FIG. 23 illustrates an example of display on an operation screen of thevideo display apparatus 3 in that case.

Next, in step S1503, the terminal apparatus 1 confirms whether the userhas performed an operation for ending the operation application. Whenthe user has performed the operation for ending the operationapplication, for example, the operation of pressing an “end” buttondisplayed on the terminal apparatus 1, the terminal apparatus 1 returnsto a process for displaying a menu screen.

In step S1504, the terminal apparatus 1 confirms whether the user haspressed a “power” button. When the user has pressed the “power” buttondisplayed on the terminal apparatus 1, the terminal apparatus 1transmits a power supply command to the video display apparatus 3 (stepS1505), and repeats the process from step S1503.

When the user has not pressed the “power” button displayed on theterminal apparatus 1, the terminal apparatus 1 confirms whether the userhas pressed a “missing prevention” mode button in step S1506. When theuser has pressed the “missing prevention” mode button displayed on theterminal apparatus 1, the terminal apparatus 1 switches ON and OFF of amissing prevention mode (step S1507). When the missing prevention modeis ON, the terminal apparatus 1 turns off the missing prevention mode instep S1508, and when the missing prevention mode is OFF, the terminalapparatus 1 turns on the missing prevention mode in step S1509. Then,the process from step S1503 is repeated.

The missing prevention mode is for preventing a television program on anoriginal channel from being missed after the end of a video ofadvertisement means accompanying the television program such as CM(Commercial Message, hereinafter referred to as “commercial”) orannouncement means such as an announcement of a program. Morespecifically, even if the user switches the channel after the start ofthe video of the advertisement means or the announcement means, thechannel is switched to the original channel at the timing of the end ofthe video. Thus, for example, even if the user is viewing a televisionprogram on a channel A and switches the channel A to a channel B or achannel C after the television program is switched to a commercial, thedisplay on the video display apparatus 3 is switched to the channel A atthe timing at which the commercial on the channel A ends and is switchedto the television program.

When the user has not pressed the “missing prevention” mode buttondisplayed on the terminal apparatus 1, the terminal apparatus 1 confirmswhether the user has pressed a channel selection button of a remotecontrol function in step S1510. When the user has pressed a channelselection button such as a “1” button or a “2” button displayed on theterminal apparatus 1, the process proceeds to step S1511, and aselection command of a corresponding channel is transmitted to the videodisplay apparatus 3 and the process from step S1503 is repeated.

When the user has not pressed the channel selection button displayed onthe terminal apparatus 1, the terminal apparatus 1 confirms whether theuser has pressed the other button in step S1512. Examples of othersetting changes include switching of an audio volume.

When the user has issued an instruction to change setting of the videodisplay apparatus 3, the terminal apparatus 1 transmits a correspondingsetting command to the video display apparatus 3 (step S1513), and theprocess from step S1503 is repeated.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a missing prevention process of theterminal apparatus 1.

When the missing prevention mode of the terminal apparatus 1 is ON instep S1600, the process proceeds to step S1601, and when the missingprevention mode is OFF, the process ends.

In step S1601, the terminal apparatus 1 waits for an elapse of apredetermined period of time, e.g., five minutes during which the userdoes not change a channel and there is no commercial switching, and theterminal apparatus 1 stores the channel in the memory unit 25 in stepS1602. The commercial switching mentioned here means switching from atelevision program to a commercial and switching from a commercial to atelevision program. Generally, there is a point in which an audio issilent between a television program and a commercial, and the timing atwhich the commercial switching occurs can be detected when a televisionsignal is received by a television signal receiving unit 21 and a scenechange where an audio is silent is detected.

Next, in step S1603, the terminal apparatus 1 receives a televisionsignal of the channel stored in the memory unit 25 by using thetelevision signal receiving unit 21, and waits for the occurrence of thecommercial switching. When the user has pressed a channel selectionbutton of a remote control function while waiting for the occurrence ofthe commercial switching (step S1604), the terminal apparatus 1transmits a selection command of a corresponding channel to the videodisplay apparatus 3 (step S1605), and repeats the process from stepS1601.

Through steps S1601 to S1605, the terminal apparatus 1 detects thecommercial switching after an elapse of a predetermined period of timewithout the channel change by the user, and determines that a commercialstart timing has come (step S1606).

Next, in step S1607, the terminal apparatus 1 receives the televisionsignal of the channel stored in the memory unit 25 by the televisionsignal receiving unit 21, and waits for the occurrence of the commercialswitching. When the user has pressed the channel selection button of aremote control function while waiting for the occurrence of thecommercial switching (step S1608), the terminal apparatus 1 transmits aselection command of a corresponding channel to the video displayapparatus 3 (step S1609).

Also when the channel of the video display apparatus 3 is switched instep S1609, the terminal apparatus 1 waits for the occurrence of thecommercial switching of the channel stored in the memory unit 25 in stepS1607.

Through steps S1607 to S1609, the terminal apparatus 1 detects thecommercial switching after the start of the commercial, and determinesthat a commercial end timing has come (step S1610).

Next, in step S1611, the terminal apparatus 1 transmits the selectioncommand of the channel stored in the memory unit 25 to the video displayapparatus 3, and repeats the process from step S1600. When the channelselection button of a remote control function has not been pressed instep S1608, the terminal apparatus 1 does not have to transmit theselection command of the channel stored in the memory unit 25 to thevideo display apparatus 3.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the video displayapparatus 3.

In step S1701, the video display apparatus 3 waits for receiving of apower supply command. When the power supply command has been received,the video display apparatus 3 is powered on (step S1702).

Next, in step S1703, it is confirmed whether the video display apparatus3 has received the power supply command again. When the power supplycommand has been received, the video display apparatus 3 is powered off(step S1704). When the power supply command has not been received, thevideo display apparatus 3 confirms whether a channel selection commandhas been received in step S1705. When the channel selection command hasbeen received, the video display apparatus 3 executes the channelselection command as instructed (step S1706), and repeats the processfrom step S1703.

When the channel selection command has not been received, the videodisplay apparatus 3 confirms whether another command has been receivedin step S1707. When the other command has been received, the videodisplay apparatus 3 executes the command as instructed (step S1708), andrepeats the process from step S1703.

By the foregoing configuration, in the seventh embodiment of the presentinvention, the terminal apparatus 1 stores the channel when the userdoes not change a channel for a predetermined period of time, andtransmits a selection command of the channel to the video displayapparatus 3 in response to a commercial end timing.

Even if the user switches a channel during a commercial, the channelreturns to the channel prior to the switching when the commercial ends.Thus, it is possible to prevent a television program on the channel,which has been being viewed by the user, from being missed.

Instead of the terminal apparatus 1, the video display apparatus 3 maystore the channel when the channel is not changed for a predeterminedperiod of time, and the video display apparatus 3 itself may detect acommercial end timing and switch the channel to a corresponding channel.

Alternatively, instead of the configuration in which the terminalapparatus 1 or the video display apparatus 3 switches the channel inresponse to the commercial end timing, the user may be notified of theend of the commercial by a video or an audio, and the userhimself/herself may operate the terminal apparatus 1 to switch thechannel.

Eighth Embodiment

Next, the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow. A configuration, an effect, and the like in the presentembodiment are similar to those in the seventh embodiment unlessotherwise noted. Thus, a difference between the present embodiment andthe seventh embodiment will be mainly described below, and descriptionof common points is omitted as much as possible in order to avoid anoverlap of the description.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a missing prevention process of theterminal apparatus 1.

When a missing prevention mode of the terminal apparatus 1 is ON in stepS1800, the process proceeds to step S1801, and when the missingprevention mode is OFF, the process ends.

When a user has not changed a channel for a predetermined period oftime, e.g., five minutes in step S1801, the terminal apparatus 1 storesthe channel in the memory unit 25 in step S1802.

Next, in step S1803, the terminal apparatus 1 receives a televisionsignal of the channel stored in the memory unit 25 by a televisionsignal receiving unit 21, and waits for the occurrence of commercialswitching. When the user has pressed a channel selection button of aremote control function while the terminal apparatus 1 waits for theoccurrence of the commercial switching (step S1804), the terminalapparatus 1 transmits a selection command of a corresponding channel tothe video display apparatus 3 (step S1805), and repeats the process fromstep S1801.

Through steps S1801 to S1805, the terminal apparatus 1 detects thecommercial switching after an elapse of a predetermined period of timewithout the channel change by the user, and determines that a commercialstart or end timing has come (step S1806).

Next, in step S1807, the terminal apparatus 1 transmits the selectioncommand of the channel stored in the memory unit 25 to the video displayapparatus 3, and repeats the process from step S1800.

By the foregoing configuration, in the eighth embodiment of the presentinvention, a similar effect to that in the seventh embodiment can beobtained.

Furthermore, since the terminal apparatus 1 stores the channel when theuser does not change the channel for a predetermined period of time, andtransmits a selection command of the channel to the video displayapparatus 3 at the timing of start and end of the commercial, it is notnecessary to distinguish the start and the end of the commercial, andthe missing prevention process can be simplified.

Instead of the terminal apparatus 1, the video display apparatus 3 maystore the channel when the channel is not changed for a predeterminedperiod of time, and the video display apparatus 3 itself may switch thechannel to the corresponding channel at the timing of start or end ofthe commercial.

Alternatively, instead of the configuration in which the terminalapparatus 1 or the video display apparatus 3 switches the channel at thetiming of start or end of the commercial, the user may be notified ofthe start or end of the commercial by a video or an audio, and the userhimself/herself may operate the terminal apparatus 1 to switch thechannel.

Ninth Embodiment

Next, the ninth embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow. A configuration, an effect, and the like in the presentembodiment are also similar to those in the seventh embodiment unlessotherwise noted. Thus, a difference between the present embodiment andthe seventh embodiment will be mainly described below.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a missing prevention process of theterminal apparatus 1.

When a missing prevention mode of the terminal apparatus 1 is ON in stepS1900, the process proceeds to step S1901, and when the missingprevention mode is OFF, the process ends.

Since steps S1901 to S1905 are similar to steps S1601 to S1605illustrated in FIG. 16 , description thereof is omitted. Through stepsS1901 to S1905, the terminal apparatus 1 detects commercial switchingafter an elapse of a predetermined period of time without the channelchange by the user, and determines that a commercial start timing hascome (step S1906).

Next, in step S1907, the terminal apparatus 1 receives a televisionsignal of the channel stored in the memory unit 25 by a televisionsignal receiving unit 21, and waits for the occurrence of the commercialswitching. When the user has pressed a channel selection button of aremote control function while the terminal apparatus 1 waits for theoccurrence of the commercial switching (step S1908), the terminalapparatus 1 transmits a two-screen display start command to the videodisplay apparatus 3 (step S1909), and transmits a selection command of acorresponding channel for an added screen to the video display apparatus3 (step S1910). When the user has pressed the channel selection buttonof a remote control function again while the terminal apparatus 1 waitsfor the occurrence of the commercial switching, the terminal apparatus 1does not have to transmit the two-screen display start command in stepS1909.

Also when a channel of the video display apparatus 3 has been switchedin step S1909, the terminal apparatus 1 waits for the occurrence of thecommercial switching of the channel stored in the memory unit 25 in stepS1907.

Through steps S1907 to S1910, the terminal apparatus 1 detects thecommercial switching after the start of the commercial, and determinesthat a commercial end timing has come (step S1911).

Next, in step S1912, the terminal apparatus 1 transmits a two-screendisplay end command to the video display apparatus 3, and repeats theprocess from step S1900. The screen added later is erased when thetwo-screen display ends. The two-screen display end command does nothave to be transmitted when the screen has not been switched to thetwo-screen display.

By the foregoing configuration, in the ninth embodiment of the presentinvention, a similar effect to that in the seventh embodiment can beobtained.

Furthermore, the terminal apparatus 1 stores the channel when the userdoes not change a channel for a predetermined period of time, and whenthe channel selection button is pressed during the commercial, theterminal apparatus 1 switches the video display apparatus 3 to thetwo-screen display and displays the channel on the added screen. Then,the terminal apparatus 1 ends the two-screen display in response to thetiming of the end of the commercial.

Since the video on the original channel can be confirmed by thetwo-screen display even when the channel is switched, the user canswitch the channel without worrying about missing a television program.

Instead of the terminal apparatus 1, the video display apparatus 3 maystore the channel when the channel is not changed for a predeterminedperiod of time, and the video display apparatus 3 itself may start andend the two-screen display.

Also, since the user can confirm both of the video on the originalchannel and the video on the channel after the switching by thetwo-screen display, the user himself/herself may operate the terminalapparatus 1 to end the two-screen display instead of the configurationin which the terminal apparatus 1 ends the two-screen display inresponse to the timing of the end of the commercial.

Tenth Embodiment

Next, the tenth embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow. A configuration, an effect, and the like in the presentembodiment are similar to those in the seventh embodiment unlessotherwise noted. Thus, a difference between the present embodiment andthe seventh embodiment will be mainly described below.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a missing prevention process of theterminal apparatus 1.

When a missing prevention mode of the terminal apparatus 1 is ON in stepS2000, the process proceeds to step S2001, and when the missingprevention mode is OFF, the process ends.

Since steps S2001 to S2005 are similar to steps S1601 to S1605illustrated in FIG. 16 , description thereof is omitted. Through stepsS2001 to S2005, the terminal apparatus 1 detects commercial switchingafter an elapse of a predetermined period of time without the channelchange by the user, and determines that a commercial start timing hascome (step S2006).

Next, in step S2007, the terminal apparatus 1 receives a televisionsignal of the channel stored in the memory unit 25 by a televisionsignal receiving unit 21, and waits for the occurrence of the commercialswitching. When the user has pressed a channel selection button of aremote control function while the terminal apparatus 1 waits for theoccurrence of the commercial switching (step S2008), the terminalapparatus 1 transmits a selection command of a corresponding channel tothe video display apparatus 3 (step S2009), and displays a video on thechannel stored in the memory unit 25 in the terminal apparatus 1 on thedisplay unit 22 (step S2010).

Also when a channel of the video display apparatus 3 has been switchedin step S2009, the terminal apparatus 1 waits for the occurrence of thecommercial switching of the channel stored in the memory unit 25 in stepS2007.

Through steps S2007 to S2010, the terminal apparatus 1 detects thecommercial switching after determining the commercial start timing, anddetermines that a commercial end timing has come (step S2011).

Next, in step S2012, the terminal apparatus 1 transmits a selectioncommand of the channel stored in the memory unit 25 to the video displayapparatus 3, and repeats the process from step S2000.

By the foregoing configuration, in the tenth embodiment of the presentinvention, a similar effect to that in the seventh embodiment can beobtained.

Furthermore, the terminal apparatus 1 stores the channel when the userdoes not change a channel for a predetermined period of time, switchesthe channel of the video display apparatus 3 when a channel selectionbutton is pressed during a commercial, and displays a video on theoriginal channel on the screen of the terminal apparatus 1. Then, theterminal apparatus 1 returns the channel of the video display apparatus3 to the original channel in response to the commercial end timing.

Since the video on the original channel can be confirmed by the terminalapparatus 1 even when the channel has been switched, the user can switchthe channel without worrying about missing a television program.

The video display apparatus 3 as well as the terminal apparatus 1 mayalso store the channel when the channel is not changed for apredetermined period of time, and the video display apparatus 3 itselfmay detect the commercial end timing to switch the channel to acorresponding channel.

Also, since the user can confirm the video on the original channel bythe terminal apparatus 1, the user himself/herself may operate theterminal apparatus 1 to end the two-screen display instead of theconfiguration in which the terminal apparatus 1 ends the two-screendisplay in response to the commercial end timing.

Eleventh Embodiment

Next, the eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow. A configuration, an effect, and the like in the presentembodiment are similar to those in the seventh embodiment unlessotherwise noted. Thus, a difference between the present embodiment andthe seventh embodiment will be mainly described below.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a missing prevention process of theterminal apparatus 1.

When a missing prevention mode of the terminal apparatus 1 is ON in stepS2100, the process proceeds to step S2101, and when the missingprevention mode is OFF, the process ends.

Since steps S2101 to S2105 are similar to steps S1601 to S1605illustrated in FIG. 16 , description thereof is omitted. Through stepsS2101 to S2105, the terminal apparatus 1 detects the commercialswitching after an elapse of a predetermined period of time without thechannel change by the user, and determines that a commercial starttiming has come (step S2106).

Since steps S2107 to S2109 are similar to steps S1607 to S1609illustrated in FIG. 16 , description thereof is omitted.

Through steps S2107 to S2109, the terminal apparatus 1 detects thecommercial switching after the start of the commercial, and determinesthat a commercial end timing has come (step S2110).

Next, in step S2112, the process is changed depending on whether aprogram on an original channel has ended. When the program has notended, the process proceeds to step S2111, and the terminal apparatus 1transmits a selection command of the channel stored in the memory unit25 to the video display apparatus 3 and repeats the process from stepS2100. When the program has ended, the process does not proceed to stepS2111, and the process from step S2100 is repeated.

By the foregoing configuration, in the eleventh embodiment of thepresent invention, a similar effect to that in the seventh embodimentcan be obtained.

Furthermore, since the terminal apparatus 1 does not return the channelto the original channel when the program has ended, the terminalapparatus 1 does not erroneously switch the channel which the userwishes to view next.

Instead of the terminal apparatus 1, the video display apparatus 3 maystore the channel when the channel is not changed for a predeterminedperiod of time, and the video display apparatus 3 itself may detect thecommercial end timing and switch the channel to a corresponding channel.

Twelfth Embodiment

Next, the twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be describedbelow. A configuration, an effect, and the like in the presentembodiment are similar to those in the seventh embodiment unlessotherwise noted. Thus, a difference between the present embodiment andthe seventh embodiment will be mainly described below.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a missing prevention process of theterminal apparatus 1.

When a missing prevention mode of the terminal apparatus 1 is ON in stepS2200, the process proceeds to step S2201, and when the missingprevention mode is OFF, the process ends.

Since steps S2201 to S2202 are similar to steps S1601 to S1602illustrated in FIG. 16 , description thereof is omitted.

Next, in step S2212, the process is changed depending on whether thechannel has a commercial. When the channel has a commercial, the processproceeds to step S2203, and when the channel has no commercial, theprocess does not proceed to step S2203 and the process from step S2200is repeated. For example, whether or not the channel has a commercialcan be determined by storing a list of channels having no commercial inthe memory unit 25 in advance and comparing the list of channels withthe channel stored in step S2202.

Since steps S2203 to S2205 are similar to steps S1603 to S1605illustrated in FIG. 16 , description thereof is omitted.

Through steps S2201 to S2205 and step S2212, the terminal apparatus 1detects the commercial switching in the channel having a commercialafter an elapse of a predetermined period of time without the channelchange by the user, and determines that a commercial start timing hascome (step S2206).

Since steps S2201 to S2205 are similar to steps S1601 to S1605illustrated in FIG. 16 , description thereof is omitted. Through stepsS2201 to S2205, the terminal apparatus 1 detects the commercialswitching after an elapse of a predetermined period of time without thechannel change by the user, and determines that a commercial starttiming has come (step S2206).

Since steps S2207 to S2209 are similar to steps S1607 to S1609illustrated in FIG. 16 , description thereof is omitted.

Through steps S2207 to S2209, the terminal apparatus 1 detects thecommercial switching after the start of a commercial, and determinesthat a commercial end timing has come (step S2210).

Next, in step S2211, the terminal apparatus 1 transmits a selectioncommand of the channel stored in the memory unit 25 to the video displayapparatus 3, and repeats the process from step S2200.

By the foregoing configuration, in the twelfth embodiment of the presentinvention, a similar effect to that in the seventh embodiment can beobtained.

Furthermore, since the terminal apparatus 1 does not perform the missingprevention process for the channel having no commercial, the missingprevention process is not erroneously performed when the channel isswitched to the channel having no commercial. Since there is a scenechange where an audio is silent even on the channel having nocommercial, there is the possibility that the terminal apparatus 1determines that the commercial switching has occurred, but it ispossible to prevent this.

Instead of the terminal apparatus 1, the video display apparatus 3 maystore the channel when the channel is not changed for a predeterminedperiod of time, and the video display apparatus 3 itself may detect thecommercial end timing and switch the channel to a corresponding channel.

Also, instead of the configuration in which the terminal apparatus 1 orthe video display apparatus 3 switches the channel in response to thecommercial end timing, the user may be notified of the end of thecommercial by a video or an audio, and the user himself/herself mayoperate the terminal apparatus 1 to switch the channel.

Thirteenth Embodiment

Next, the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed below. A configuration, an effect, and the like in the presentembodiment are similar to those in the seventh embodiment unlessotherwise noted. Thus, a difference between the present embodiment andthe seventh embodiment will be mainly described below.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the terminalapparatus 1 when the terminal apparatus 1 remotely controls the videodisplay apparatus 3.

Since steps S2401 to S2409 are similar to steps S1501 to S1509illustrated in FIG. 15 , description thereof is omitted.

In step S2410, the terminal apparatus 1 confirms whether a user haspressed a channel selection button of a remote control function. Whenthe user has pressed a channel selection button such as a “1” button ora “2” button displayed on the terminal apparatus 1, the process proceedsto step S2411. Since step S2411 is similar to step S1511 illustrated inFIG. 15 , description thereof is omitted.

Next, in step S2414, the process is changed depending on whether theterminal apparatus 1 has received a status indicating that there is nochannel selection authority. Only when the status has been received, theprocess proceeds to step S2415, and a video on a corresponding channelis displayed on the display unit 22 in the terminal apparatus 1. Then,the process from step S2403 is repeated. The status indicating thatthere is no channel selection authority is sent from the video displayapparatus 3 when there is no channel selection authority.

When the user has not pressed the channel selection button of a remotecontrol function displayed on the terminal apparatus 1 in step S2410,the process proceeds to step S2412. Since steps S2412 to S2413 aresimilar to steps S1512 to S1513 illustrated in FIG. 15 , descriptionthereof is omitted.

Thus, when there is no channel selection authority of the video displayapparatus 3, the video on the corresponding channel is displayed on theterminal apparatus 1.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the video displayapparatus 3.

In step S2501, the video display apparatus 3 waits for receiving of apower supply command. When the power supply command has been received,the video display apparatus 3 is powered on (step S2502), and stores, inthe memory unit 35, information indicating which of terminal apparatuses1 has transmitted the power supply command, namely, an identificationcode which has been transmitted together with the power supply command(step S2509). Here, it is assumed that the terminal apparatus 1 a hastransmitted the power supply command.

An IP (Internet Protocol) address, an ID (Identification) individuallyassigned to the terminal apparatus 1, a telephone number and the likeare applicable to the identification code. Generally, since it isassumed that one user possesses one terminal apparatus 1, a user IDgiven to each user by a manufacturer of the terminal apparatus 1 may beapplied. In this case, the user ID is previously stored in the terminalapparatus 1 based on an operation by the user or the like.

Since steps S2503 to S2504 are similar to steps S1703 to S1704illustrated in FIG. 17 , description thereof is omitted.

Next, in step S2505, the video display apparatus 3 confirms whether achannel selection command has been received. When the channel selectioncommand has been received, the video display apparatus 3 confirmswhether the channel selection command is a setting command from aspecific terminal apparatus 1, namely, the terminal apparatus 1 that hasissued an instruction to turn on power (step S2510). When the channelselection command is the setting command from the terminal apparatus 1that has issued the instruction to turn on power, the video displayapparatus 3 executes the channel selection command as instructed (stepS2506), and repeats the process from step S2503.

When the channel selection command is not the setting command from theterminal apparatus 1 that has issued the instruction to turn on power instep S2510, the video display apparatus 3 confirms whether a channelbeing displayed is during a commercial (step S2511). When the channel isduring the commercial, the video display apparatus 3 executes thecommand as instructed (step S2506), and repeats the process from stepS2503. When the channel is not during the commercial, the video displayapparatus 3 sends status information indicating that there is no channelselection authority to the corresponding terminal apparatus 1 (stepS2512), and then repeats the process from step S2503. Whether thechannel is during the commercial may be transmitted from the terminalapparatus 1 in addition to being determined by the video displayapparatus 3.

Since steps S2507 to S2508 are similar to steps S1707 to S1708illustrated in FIG. 17 , description thereof is omitted.

Thus, selection of the channel of the video display apparatus 3 can beperformed only when it is instructed from the terminal apparatus 1 athat has powered on the video display apparatus 3 during a televisionprogram, and can be performed also when it is instructed from theterminal apparatus 1 b in addition to the terminal apparatus 1 a duringa commercial. Also, an operation other than the selection of the channelcan be performed from both of the terminal apparatus 1 a and theterminal apparatus 1 b.

By the foregoing configuration, in the thirteenth embodiment of thepresent invention, a similar effect to that in the seventh embodimentcan be obtained.

Furthermore, the selection of the channel of the video display apparatus3 can be performed only when it is instructed from the terminalapparatus 1 a that has powered on the video display apparatus 3 during atelevision program, and a video is displayed on the terminal apparatus 1b when it is instructed from the terminal apparatus 1 b. In addition,during the commercial, the channel selection can be performed also whenit is instructed from the terminal apparatus 1 b in addition to theterminal apparatus 1 a.

Fourteenth Embodiment

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the terminalapparatus 1 when the terminal apparatus 1 remotely controls the videodisplay apparatus 3.

Since steps S2601 to S2605 are similar to steps S1501 to S1505illustrated in FIG. 15 , description thereof is omitted.

In step S2606, the terminal apparatus 1 confirms whether a user haspressed a “missing prevention” mode button. When the user has pressedthe “missing prevention” mode button displayed on the terminal apparatus1, the terminal apparatus 1 turns on a missing prevention mode, andrepeats the process from step S2603.

When the user has not pressed the “missing prevention” mode buttondisplayed on the terminal apparatus 1, the process proceeds to stepS2610. Since steps S2610 to S2613 are similar to steps S1510 to S1513illustrated in FIG. 15 , description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a missing prevention process of theterminal apparatus 1.

When the missing prevention mode of the terminal apparatus 1 is ON instep S2700, the process proceeds to step S2701, and when the missingprevention mode is OFF, the process ends.

In step S2701, the terminal apparatus 1 stores a channel previously setby the user.

Since steps S2707 to S2710 are similar to steps S1507 to S1510illustrated in FIG. 15 , description thereof is omitted. Through stepsS2707 to S2709, the terminal apparatus 1 detects commercial switchingafter the start of a commercial, and determines that a commercial endtiming has come (step S2710).

Next, in step S2711, the terminal apparatus 1 transmits a selectioncommand of the channel stored in the memory unit 25 to the video displayapparatus 3, and turns off the missing prevention mode in step S2712.When the channel selection button of a remote control function has notbeen pressed in step S2708, the selection command of the channel storedin the memory unit does not have to be transmitted to the video displayapparatus 3.

By the foregoing configuration, in the fourteenth embodiment of thepresent invention, the terminal apparatus 1 stores the channel which isbeing viewed when the user has pressed the “missing prevention” modebutton, and transmits the selection command of the channel to the videodisplay apparatus 3 in response to the timing of the end of thecommercial.

If the user has pressed the “channel” button after pressing the “missingprevention” mode button during the commercial, the channel returns tothe channel prior to the switching at the end of the commercial evenwhen the user switches the channel during the commercial. Thus, it ispossible to prevent the television program on the channel which has beenbeing viewed by the user from being missed.

Furthermore, when the “missing prevention” mode button is pressed duringthe commercial, a missing prevention mode is entered, and the missingprevention mode is canceled when the commercial ends. Therefore, thepower consumption of the terminal apparatus 1 can be suppressed.

Instead of the terminal apparatus 1, the video display apparatus 3 maystore the channel, and the video display apparatus 3 itself may detectthe commercial end timing and switch the channel.

Also, instead of the configuration in which the terminal apparatus 1 orthe video display apparatus 3 switches the channel in response to thecommercial end timing, the user may be notified of the end of thecommercial by a video or an audio, and the user himself/herself mayoperate the terminal apparatus 1 to switch the channel.

Note that the embodiments above have been described in detail so as tomake the present invention easily understood, and the present inventionis not limited to the embodiment having all of the described constituentelements. Also, a part of the configuration of one embodiment may bereplaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and theconfiguration of one embodiment may be added to the configuration ofanother embodiment. Furthermore, another configuration may be added to apart of the configuration of each embodiment, and a part of theconfiguration of each embodiment may be eliminated or replaced withanother configuration.

Some or all of the above-mentioned configurations, functions, processingunits, and processing means may be implemented by hardware by designingthem with integrated circuits or the like. Also, the above-mentionedconfigurations and functions may be implemented by software byinterpreting and executing programs for implementing the respectivefunctions by processors. Information such as a program, a table, a file,and the like for implementing each of the functions can be placed in arecording device such as a memory, a hard disk, or an SSD (Solid StateDrive) or a recording medium such as an IC card or an SD card.

Control lines and information lines, which are considered to benecessary in description, are illustrated, and all control lines andinformation lines in products are not necessarily illustrated. Inpractice, it is right to think that almost all configurations areconnected to one another.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1 . . . TERMINAL APPARATUS, 2 . . . REMOTE CONTROLLER, 3 . . . VIDEODISPLAY APPARATUS, 5 . . . BROADCAST STATION, 6 . . . WIRELESS ROUTER, 7. . . NETWORK, 20 . . . CONTROL UNIT, 21 . . . TELEVISION SIGNALRECEIVING UNIT, 22 . . . DISPLAY UNIT, 23 . . . AUDIO OUTPUT UNIT, 24 .. . OPERATION UNIT, 25 . . . MEMORY UNIT, 26 . . . LAN COMMUNICATIONUNIT, 30 . . . CONTROL UNIT, 31 . . . TELEVISION SIGNAL RECEIVING UNIT,32 . . . DISPLAY UNIT, 33 . . . AUDIO OUTPUT UNIT, 34 . . . INFRAREDCOMMUNICATION UNIT, 35 . . . MEMORY UNIT, 36 . . . LAN COMMUNICATIONUNIT

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile terminal configured to remotely controla video display apparatus, the mobile terminal comprising: networkinterface circuitry configured to transmit a command for controlling thevideo display apparatus and receive status information, and receive asignal containing a video content via a network; a decoder configured todecode the video content; a storage configured to store information; adisplay configured to display the decoded video content; and a processorconfigured to control so as to: transmit an identification code uniqueto the mobile terminal when the network interface circuitry transmits acommand to switch the video content displayed on the video displayapparatus into a first video content by remote control, and store videocontent information of the first video content in the storage; and in acase where the network interface circuitry receives a notificationindicating that the first video content has terminated from the videodisplay apparatus as the status information after the first videocontent displayed on the video display apparatus is switched into asecond video content by remote control from another mobile terminal,receive the first video content by the network interface circuitry on abasis of the video content information stored in the storage, and decodethe video content by the decoder to cause the display to display thedecoded video content.
 2. The mobile terminal according to claim 1,wherein the storage is further configured to store a video content, andwherein the processor is further configured to control, in a case wherethe network interface circuitry receives the notification indicatingthat the first video content has terminated from the video displayapparatus as the status information, so as to receive the first videocontent by the network interface circuitry on the basis of the videocontent information stored in the storage, and store the first videocontent in the storage.